Abstract
Port-A-Cath systems are widely used for long-term therapy in the treatment of malignancies and infection. Spontaneous migration of Port-A-Cath catheters after satisfactory initial placement is uncommon but is associated with a number of complications, including neck pain, shoulder pain, ear pain, infection, venous thrombosis, and neurological complications. We describe two cases of migration of the Port-A-Cath catheter into the ipsilateral internal jugular vein. Both received surgical reposition of the catheter with a longer one. We speculate that the migration is related to severe cough and vigorous changes of intrathoracic pressure. We also review the literature regarding such unusual complications of Port-A-Cath. Because catheter migration might be asymptomatic, monitoring the catheter position bimonthly when not used is recommended. Before a new course of chemotherapy or encountering symptoms of migration, obtaining a chest roentgenogram is essential to provide early detection and repositioning management of a migrated catheter.
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Wu, PY., Yeh, YC., Huang, CH. et al. Spontaneous Migration of a Port-A-Cath Catheter into Ipsilateral Jugular Vein in Two Patients with Severe Cough. Ann Vasc Surg 19, 734–736 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10016-005-4638-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10016-005-4638-1